UMass big man Cady Lalanne opens season with big night against Boston College

BOSTON — Beginning a season healthy for the first time in his college career, University of Massachusetts junior big man Cady Lalanne had hopes of a breakout season.

So far, so good.

On Lalanne’s first offensive rebound against Boston College in the Coaches vs. Cancer Boston Tip-Off on Sunday, the Minutemen didn’t score. On the remaining seven, Lalanne either dunked or laid the ball in giving him 14 points on eight offensive rebounds. Boston College had no answer for Lalanne, who racked up a career-high 27 points to go with 12 rebounds.

“I didn’t know he had 27 and 12. I thought it was like 15 and nine. But the reality is I expect a lot of Cady,” UMass coach Derek Kellogg said. “I expect him to play like he did tonight every time out. Maybe not 27 and 12. But with that ferocity, getting rebounds around the basket. He did what he does in practice — finishes plays. Now he has to build on that.”

Lalanne should face a tougher challenge Tuesday when the Minutemen face a much bigger LSU team at 11 a.m. at the Mullins Center.

DEBUTS — Sophomore Derrick Gordon had seven points and four rebounds in his first game for the Minutemen. He struggled shooting the ball going 2 for 12 from the field, but played solid defense on Boston College’s Olivier Hanlan, who scored most of his 19 points with the game out of reach. Freshmen Demetrius Dyson, Clyde Santee and Seth Berger all played the final minute of the game.

MORE BERGANTINO — Kellogg promised sophomore Tyler Bergantino would play more. Despite Lalanne’s huge day, his backup saw seven minutes and had four points and four rebounds.

ATTENDANCE — The event drew 6,037 fans. The UMass-BC game was the most well-attended with a heavily pro-Minuteman crowd. Former UMass players Jim McCoy, Carmelo Travieso, Monty Mack, Ronell Blizzard, Tyrone Weeks, Andy Maclay and Freddie Riley were among the alumni in the crowd. New Massachusetts senator Ed Markey was also in attendance.

MISCELLANEOUS — UMass has won two straight games in the series. BC leads the all-time rivalry 26-20. UMass is 5-1 in TD Garden.